The Far Eastern Szink

Obverse

in the center — the Emblem of the Bank of Russia (the two-headed eagle designed by I.Bilibin, lower — the semicircular inscription — «БАНК РОССИИ» (BANK OF RUSSIA) framed by a circle of dots and inscriptions along the rim: at the top — «ОДИН РУБЛЬ» (ONE RUBLE), at the bottom — «1998», the letters to the left indicate the metal sign and the fineness, to the right — the fine metal content and the mint trade mark.

Reverse

the relief picture of two individuals of a Far Eastern szink. The inscription at the bottom along the rim: «ДАЛЬНЕВОСТОЧНЫЙ СЦИНК» (THE FAR EASTERN SZINK).

Authors

The artist: A.V. Baklanov
The sculptor: A.S. Kunatz
St. Petersburg Mint (СПМД)
The edge: 252 corrugations

The Far Eastern szink (Eumeces latiscutatus Hallowell) is a subspecies of lizard inhabiting the gulfs of Olga, Sovietskaya Gavany and Bay Terney. The overall number in Russia is not more than 300–500 individuals. The reduction of population is stipulated by the change of the thermal springs condition and by the economical coping of inhabiting areas. The Far Eastern szink is under protection on the Kunashir Island.